Do You Watch The Debates???

Parent Cafe
1

Trying not to get political. Just wondering if the debates are a way for you to get informed, get to know a candidate, etc. No matter what side you lean - is it something you chose to tune into?

I do watch them. I prefer when the candidates have more hands off each other and instead speak to their opinions/potential plans-ideas.

A side note for tonight. The debates are being held at the univ my D2 just graduated from this spring. We are a bit in awe of the transformation of the venue. Graduation was actually held in this venue - basically the basketball arena and we sat on bleachers and it was fine but in no way hugely prepped. Let me tell you the photos we have seen of the venue prep has turned it into a completely different animal! Literally they flipped the place!

If you don’t watch the debates or don’t like the candidates please refrain from turning the discussion into a hate fest. Ok to state why you don’t like them but let’s be careful!!!

2

I usually watch about half, then get sleepy.

3

No. I’ll watch the final debates, but not these preliminary ones.

4

MODERATOR’S NOTE: This thread will be closed after the slightest political comment, however veiled, so please be careful.

5

Of course. But I’m a bit of a political wonk.

6

Don’t you want to hear more to decide who to vote for in the Primary?

7

Not this time around, I already have enough information and know who I am supporting. I have watched them in years past though.

8

I do try. Honestly they tend to run long past my bedtime. I’m okay with reading transcripts the next day, at this stage.

9

" I prefer when the candidates have more hands off each other and instead speak to their opinions/potential plans-ideas."

I know quite a few people feel that way but I don’t mind candidates jabbing at each other over policy differences and even legitimate concerns over the suitability of a candidate. It’s going to happen in the general debates so good vetting now, IMO. I don’t mind some back and forth as long as it doesn’t stoop to silly name calling which I haven’t seen during this Primary season amongst the Dems.

10

I watched the first one (which was done over two nights) with interest because I didn’t know very many of the candidates. Tonight I think I’ll “watch” by following someone’s twitter feed or comments on reddit. Tuesday night is my husband’s favorite TV night, and I don’t feel strongly enough about the debates to suggest he watch them, too. He hates debates, which I do, too.

The debates have changed my opinion about several candidates. But really, what does it matter? I can’t vote in the primary in my state anyway.

11

I enjoy a combo of watching and also watching my Twitter feed.

@doschicos I don’t mind the occasional jabbing over policy differences - but there was one debate earlier in the season where I felt like the jabs were overpowering - candidates, let me hear more about what you propose instead of what you are against.

12

Not watching tonight because I will be playing soccer

13

I watch them. I’ve definitely learned a lot about the candidates- sometime what you read on paper might be impressive, or not so much, but seeing a candidate defend, expand on or change his or her ideas and thoughts is interesting. There are candidates I was lukewarm about who I now support.

14

Why is that?

15

Unaffiliated voters are not allowed to vote in many states. Only those affiliated are permitted to vote in the primary of their affiliation.

16

Independents can’t vote in the primary in my state.

17

I forgot to mention the main reason I watched the first debates. I want to view firsthand what happens, and not be influenced by how the media wants to frame them afterwards.

18

Adding…this debate is in CNN. I don’t have cable any longer, and CNN is a channel I don’t get. Not interested in setting up streaming of it for this at all.

19

My issue with the early debates is that by the time my state votes in the primaries, 1/2 or more of the field has already been eliminated (usually my favorites). As such, I tend to not watch the early debates.

I do watch later but honestly I’m not sure why. So few actually answer the questions.

20

Streaming for debates is as easy as going to CNN’s website or facebook page.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/15/politics/how-to-watch-democratic-debate/index.html

As far as being registered as an Independent, in my state you can switch parties, vote, and then switch back (. But even simpler, many states have open primaries where Independents can pull either ballot. Shame that all states don’t offer that.